The working of the mind - a reflection on GEJ/Sambo vs GMB/Osibanjo. 1. Introduction - The way we say things about these contestants shows how our minds work and which of the teams we favour. It is obvious! Have you noticed that every time people give an account in a quarrel, they usually say so much of what the adversary did (negative of course!) and downplay or mention nothing wrong of their contribution to the quarrel. Those who make conclusions and pass judgment on the basis of hearing from one side only, are usually not mature in judgment. 2. Who are these men and why are we swayed toward any of them? - possible reasons. - Personality: integrity, wisdom, discipline, education, foresight/proactiveness, diligence, compassion, rigidity, flexibility, fanaticism/ liberalism, utterances, sectionalism/ universality, open/ closed, a persons past and present deeds, association (who are their collaborators?), etc. There ought to be a balance between all these more than a narrow view. 3. Issues in Nigeria - Religion: Most of these leaders are either ignorant of the tenets of the faith they claim, or they are ignorantly fanatical, or still simply using these faith divide to their advantage. Religion is a critical issue for the electorate. - Corruption: There is hardly anyone that is exempted. The reader should start the examination from himself/herself. It is a fundamental problem that cuts across the old, young, private or public sector, man or woman, educated or uneducated, religion, tribes, etc. It is endemic and has reached epidemic level! - North /South factor: Can we get leaders who will like Mandela, de-emphasize this? This will reflect in appointment into positions, utterances, allocation of the so called federal presence- that is, widespread development, etc. - Economic development and infrastructural growth. Which team can assure us of these? If they have the mind to do this, what about corruption - contractors, civil service work culture, get rich quick syndrome, politics of settlement, award of contracts to cronies, extended family pressures, etc. - Social responsibility: Nigeria is very rich. There is hardly any level of sophisticated residential houses you can find in South Africa that cannot be found in Nigeria. But that cannot be said of public structures. The wealth of a country of 174 million is in the hands of 10% of our people. Politicians take the lion share. Politics has become and has always been a way to get rich quickly. Tell me if you doubt this of our past leaders (no one exempted), which of the families of our past leaders are not wealthy? Which of these teams has the inherent ability and will power to improve and empower the people in terms of education, employability, job opportunities, social utilities and social security, etc. - Size and complexity: Given other factors, some which have been mentioned, we ought to consider the challenges and enormity of what it takes to lead a country as large, populous and divers as Nigeria. Although there is no excuse for failure, we should at least, consider these and what the past has brought us to in rating our current leaders. 4. Before we are quick to make conclusions: - Are you swayed by what people say of these leaders? - Are the comments of these people the complete picture? - Find out how many past leaders have not been criticized and given names? - Are you among those who always criticize leaders? - Are your views impartial and objective? Do you look at the good aside from the bad, of the one you dont like? - Has there been any time in Nigeria that people have not clamoured for change? - How are we so sure that the other person will bring the desired change? - If you look at the level of the personal success you have achieved in the leadership opportunities you have had - in your home, place of work, place of worship, social organization, or any group, would you say you have satisfied everyone? If you in your little corner have not done well enough, then be careful how we look at others. 5. Conclusion - We must not judge by race or colour, but by the content (complete not parochial/ narrow) of a persons character. - The interest of Nigeria should be considered instead of sectional view. If you go out of Nigeria, we are all regarded as Nigerians and treated in the same way. The fault of one or a very insignificant few Nigerians affect us all. These include: the politicians, drug peddlers and fraudsters (Internet, religious and other kinds of frauds). Nigerians are denied positions in international organizations because of these. - The way we use our minds says it all. Some use it with incomplete information; some with closed opinionated selfish motivation; some do not use their minds at all! These are the ones who follow blindly. - By the grace of God I am a Christian and I love every Nigerian equally. I see human beings and not where they come from. I would vote or recommend anyone by my assessment of his person and this may be summarized by saying his competence and character. I would look beyond the surface to his/her motivations and inclinations. I would consider not just their character narrowly, but how well this and other dispositions match the needs of Nigeria. - In all, let us watch, pray, be open minded and think of the general good above all. - God bless Nigeria. Psalms 127:1
Posted on: Sat, 20 Dec 2014 12:08:01 +0000
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